Sonos Amp Review: Old But Still Gold?
The Sonos Amp isn’t new anymore. We’ve recommended it and seen it installed in hundreds of real-world systems over the years, ranging from simple kitchen ceiling speaker setups to fully integrated multi-room homes.
But with strong competition now coming from brands like WiiM and Bluesound, the question is no longer whether the Sonos Amp is good. It absolutely still is. But whether it remains the right choice now.
After years of hands-on experience, here’s our thoughts...
Sonos Amp Review: SHS 60-Second Summary  Price: £699See Latest Pricing At £699, the Sonos Amp isn’t the cheapest streaming amplifier anymore, and there are strong alternatives out there. But what the Amp still does exceptionally well is combine power, simplicity and unrivalled user experience into one box and that's hard to look past. If you’re installing ceiling speakers, or want a clean TV and music setup that works without the need for rack full of equipment, the Sonos Amp remains one of the smartest choices available. It’s especially compelling if you’re already in the Sonos ecosystem. Multi-room control is right up there with the very best, HDMI ARC makes TV integration effortless, and the overall user experience is still among the best in the industry. If, however, you’re building a dedicated hi-fi listening room, chasing high-resolution audio, or want full Dolby Atmos cinema capability with multiple HDMI inputs, there are better tools for that job. But for modern, design-led homes where simplicity and reliability matter just as much as sound quality, the Sonos Amp still earns its place. 👉 Prefer to watch instead of read? Skip the scroll and watch our Sonos Amp Lowdown on Youtube! | |
| Pros: ✓ Compact, stackable and install-friendly ✓ 125W per channel with serious headroom ✓ Trueplay tuning with Sonos Architectural speakers ✓ HDMI ARC for effortless TV integration ✓ Line-in for turntables and external sources | Cons: ✖ No hi-res audio support ✖ One source per Amp (no independent speaker zones) |
Read More: Sonos Amp Multi Explained: How It Compares to Sonos Amp
What is The Sonos Amp?
The Sonos Amp is a 125-watt per channel streaming amplifier designed to power passive speakers while integrating fully into the Sonos ecosystem.
In simple terms, it gives traditional wired speakers all the streaming intelligence of Sonos.
That means you can connect almost any passive speakers, whether that’s a pair of bookshelf speakers in a lounge, ceiling speakers in an open-plan kitchen, or outdoor speakers on a patio, and control them through the Sonos app just like any other Sonos product.
Sonos Amp: Key Specifications
- 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms
- Stable down to 4 ohms
- HDMI ARC for TV connection
- Stereo analogue line-in
- Dedicated subwoofer output
- Apple AirPlay 2 support
- Full Sonos multi-room compatibility
Around the back you’ll find dual speaker terminals, twin Ethernet ports, a subwoofer output and the HDMI ARC input that allows the Amp to connect directly to your TV.
It does not support hi-resolution audio beyond CD quality, and it does not offer multiple HDMI inputs like a traditional AV receiver. Instead, it is designed around simplicity: plug your sources into the TV, and let ARC send the audio back to the Amp.
Years on, that simplicity is still central to its appeal.
| Did you know? As one of the UK’s leading Sonos retailers, we include a FREE 6-Year Extended Warranty with every Sonos purchase (T&C's Apply) Explore Sonos >> |
Sonos Amp Review: Design & Build Quality
The Sonos Amp has always been designed with installers in mind, and that shows the moment you pick it up.
It’s compact, understated and finished in what Sonos calls “Rack Black”, a matte, stealthy finish that disappears neatly into cabinetry, media units or rack systems. There’s no flashy branding or unnecessary detailing. Just a clean, functional design that feels built for purpose.
At 6 x 22 x 22cm, it’s short and square rather than wide like a traditional hi-fi amplifier. That shape makes it far easier to hide away in cupboards or structured wiring cabinets, and it also means multiple Amps can be stacked neatly for larger multi-room systems.
In fact, stacking is something Sonos intentionally designed for. The Amp pulls cool air in from underneath and vents heat through the top, allowing several units to operate together in a rack without the need for noisy internal fans.
From our experience, thermal performance has never been an issue, even in more demanding whole-home setups. It’s clearly been engineered for long-term reliability rather than short demo sessions.
On the front, things are minimal. There are three touch-sensitive controls for play/pause and volume adjustment, but realistically most users will control it through the Sonos app or using their TV remote.
Around the back, connections are logically laid out and installer-friendly. The speaker terminals accept banana plugs as standard, which makes wiring cleaner and more secure which is particularly handy in professional installs.
It’s not a statement piece, and it’s not meant to be. The Sonos Amp is designed to disappear into the background and just work and that blueprint hasn't changed.
Sonos Amp Review: Features & Connectivity
Seven years on, the Sonos Amp’s feature set remains modern and competitive.
It doesn’t try to compete with full AV receivers on format support, nor does it chase every emerging hi-fi trend. Instead, it combines strong amplification, clean TV integration and one of the most polished multi-room ecosystems available.
Around the back, you’ll find:
- Two pairs of speaker terminals
- A dedicated subwoofer output
- Two Ethernet ports
- A stereo analogue line-in
- HDMI ARC
It’s a layout that hasn’t needed reinvention because it was well judged from the start and that longevity is part of the reason we rate it so highly.
HDMI ARC & TV Integration
The HDMI ARC input allows the Amp to connect directly to your TV, enabling automatic switching to TV audio and volume control using your existing remote.
Rather than offering multiple HDMI inputs like a traditional AV receiver, the Amp relies on your TV to handle source switching. Games consoles, streaming boxes and Blu-ray players plug into the TV, with audio sent back to the Amp via ARC.
For dedicated cinema rooms, that approach may feel a little restrictive. But for the vast majority of living room setups, it keeps installation clean and simple.
The Amp supports Dolby Digital but does not decode Dolby Atmos. If full object-based surround is a priority, a dedicated AV receiver remains the better choice. For streamlined TV systems built around simplicity, the balance feels sensible.
| Looking to upgrade your TV as well? Browse our handpicked range TVs that'll work perfectly with the Sonos Amp. |
Surround Sound Integration
The Sonos Amp can play several roles within a Sonos home cinema setup.
It can be paired with any Sonos soundbar such as the Sonos Arc Ultra or Sonos Beam (Gen 2) to power passive rear speakers.
Alternatively, two Amps can be used to power four passive speakers in a 4.0 or 4.1 configuration. You can add either a wired subwoofer via the dedicated sub output or integrate a wireless Sonos Subwoofer for low-frequency support.
There is no physical centre channel output. Instead, the Amp creates a phantom centre image through digital signal processing. In practice, dialogue clarity is strong for a stereo-based system, though it cannot fully replicate the precision of a discrete centre speaker in a traditional AV receiver setup.
Power & Speaker Compatibility
One of the most significant upgrades over the original Connect:Amp was the increase in power from 55 watts to 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
That extra headroom makes the Amp far more capable when driving larger bookshelf or floorstanding speakers, and it also allows it to run two pairs of 8-ohm speakers in parallel for larger spaces such as open-plan kitchens.
It remains stable down to 4 ohms, which adds useful flexibility when matching third-party speakers.
Dual-Mono Mode
One feature we love is that the Amp can be configured in dual-mono mode, sending the same signal to both speaker outputs.
This is particularly useful when powering ceiling speakers in kitchens or outdoor speakers on patios, where even coverage is more important than stereo imaging.
It’s a small feature on paper, but one that makes a noticeable difference in real-world installations.
Learn More: Sonos Amp: What is Dual Mono Mode & Do I Need It?
Sonos Architectural & Trueplay
Sonos continues its partnership with Sonance through the Sonos Architectural range, which includes in-ceiling, in-wall and outdoor passive speakers designed specifically to work with Sonos amplification.
When the Amp is paired with Sonos Architectural speakers, Trueplay tuning becomes available. This allows the system to adjust output based on room acoustics, helping to optimise clarity and tonal balance in architectural installations.
Trueplay is not available with third-party passive speakers, but the Amp’s power and tonal balance make it compatible with a wide range of brands.
| Expert tip: If you’re using Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers, it’s possible to power up to six speakers from a single Amp thanks to their impedance-matched design. In larger open-plan kitchen-diners, this can deliver excellent coverage without needing a second amplifier. |
Line-In Functionality
The analogue line-in on the Sonos Amp is another great feature. It allows you to connect a turntable (with phono stage), CD player or any external audio source and blend it into your Sonos Setup.
One of the big advantages of the Sonos ecosystem is that anything plugged into that line-in can be distributed wirelessly to other Sonos speakers around the home.
That means vinyl in the lounge can play in the kitchen, bedroom or garden without extra wiring. It’s a small feature on paper, but in daily use it’s incredibly powerful.
Read More: How to Play Vinyl on Sonos
Sonos Amp Review: Sound Performance
One of the most common questions we see is whether the Amp can truly do justice to quality speakers. In sensible pairings, absolutely.
Whether you're driving bookshelf speakers in a lounge or multiple ceiling speakers in a kitchen-diner, the Amp delivers a broad, room-filling presentation that's great for a variety of different use cases.
Stereo Imaging & Dialogue
In a simple 2.0 or 2.1 TV setup, the phantom centre effect works remarkably well. Dialogue feels anchored and clear, and the soundstage stretches wider than many expect from a compact streaming amplifier.
Add a subwoofer, either wired or a Sonos Sub, and the system gains real depth and authority without losing control.
When integrated into a Sonos surround system with an Arc Ultra or Beam (Gen 2), rear channel performance is seamless. Effects are spacious and well integrated, particularly when paired with in-ceiling or in-wall speakers in design-led rooms.
Ceiling Speaker & Architectural Audio Performance
This is where the Sonos Amp really proves its worth.
In open-plan rooms, extensions and multi-room environments, it provides the headroom and composure that ceiling speakers need to sound purposeful rather than background-only. Even when you're listening at higher volumes, the presentation remains clean and balanced.
For architectural audio systems, it continues to be one of the best and most well-judged amplification options available.
| Planning a ceiling speaker setup? Explore our Sonos In-Ceiling Speaker range or book a FREE design consultation. |
Overall Sound Performance
Could you spend more on a traditional hi-fi amplifier and gain incremental refinements? Of course.
But in real homes where music, TV, streaming and family use all overlap, the Sonos Amp strikes an exceptionally smart balance between performance, power and practicality.
It’s engaging, capable and easy to live with. And even years on, that combination still feels very hard to beat.
Sonos Amp vs WiiM Amp vs Bluesound Powernode
The Sonos Amp isn’t the only streaming amplifier worth considering.
The WiiM Amp offers impressive value and performance at a lower price point. If budget is the priority and you’re not desperate to be a part of the Sonos ecosystem, it’s a very strong contender.
The Bluesound Powernode leans further into traditional hi-fi territory, offering high-resolution audio support and a slightly more analytical presentation. For dedicated two-channel listening rooms, it can be appealing.
Where the Sonos Amp still pulls ahead is integration.
TV setup is simpler. Multi-room control is more polished. The ecosystem feels more cohesive, especially in homes running multiple Sonos zones.
If your system is centred around ceiling speakers, TV integration and everyday usability, the Sonos Amp still feels like the most complete package and is worth the step up in price.
Sonos Amp Review: Our Verdict
Seven years on, the Sonos Amp isn’t just relevant, it’s still one of the smartest buys in its category.
Yes, the competition has stepped up. The WiiM Amp and Bluesound Powernode are both great options. But when it comes to clean TV integration, ceiling speaker installs and impressive multi-room performance, the Amp still nails the brief.
There are amps that chase hi-res specs or offer more tweakability. That’s fine. But very few deliver this level of power, polish and everyday usability in one box.
If you want a system that sounds big, works seamlessly and doesn’t complicate your life, it’s still a five-star product in our book. And for ceiling speaker setups? It remains one of our go-to recommendations.
Planning a Sonos-based multi-room system and want guidance on the right approach? We can help.
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Other Useful Content:
Blog: Ceiling Speakers: Everything To Know Before Install
Video: Sonos Amp Lowdown: Everything You Need To Know in 5 Minute
Blog: Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Which Should You Choose?
Blog: Sonos Outdoor Speakers Review: The Ultimate Garden Upgrade?
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